“Are you sure he doesn’t already know? He too could’ve read your diary.”

“Oh my Lord.” Maxine flashed back to the last few months since Elizabeth’s disappearance, remembering small changes and nuances of Melvin’s behavior. Especially the look he gave her when he announced the news about George’s accident. That look had a glint of triumph in it and Maxine covered her face, “He knows.”

They looked at each other and Bette asked, “You don’t think…” She didn’t finish, knowing that Maxine was thinking exact same thing.

Maxine shook her head, “No, no…I know Melvin. He might be lacking emotions and choses business over his family all the time but he’s not a murderer. I refuse to believe it.”

Maxine sounded convincing but Bette could hear doubt in her voice. She was about to ask if her mother was ever going to confront Melvin, when a servant knocked on the door.

A messenger came from the Radcliff’s house with the news that Christina was in labor and Bette immediately jumped on the horse, not willing to wait for her parents’ carriage to be ready. The same doctor that attended to Katie was there already and he assured her that Christina’s labor was moving along very nicely and they didn’t expect any complications.

Doctor and the midwife went downstairs to have some tea while Bette stayed to make sure Christina really was okay. Bette allowed herself to breathe, still reliving the scariest moments of her sister’s pregnancy. Christina’s long blonde hair was scattered on the pillow, soft glow of the candlelight making her look almost ethereal. She was breathtakingly beautiful and Bette took her hand, gently caressing it to help ease any pain.

Christina’s eyes were closed and Bette studied her face for a moment. She still couldn’t believe how much Christina and Tina resembled each other. Lone tear rolled down Bette’s cheek and she raised her hand to wipe it, just as Christina opened her eyes.

“Elizabeth, you came.”

“Of course, honey.”

“Don’t leave.”

“I’m right here.”

“No, I mean, don’t leave…stay here, with me…always.”

“Christina, I…I don’t know what to say…I don’t think…”

“Look in the top drawer, please,” Christina interrupted and pointed weakly at the bureau by the window. “Before you make any decision, please read this diary, my dear Elizabeth. I won’t ask anything else of you. Just read and then tell me.” Bette pulled open the heavy mahogany drawer and found a small brown-leathered book.